The most expensive signing for the AC Milan club management last summer was Samuel Chukwueze who arrived from La Liga club Villarreal for a fee of 20 million euros plus bonuses set at around 8 million, reportedly. The player was not able to join the USA tour in preparation for the new season with the Rossoneri, as he officially signed with the club in late July. However, he still had enough time to integrate with the team and get into a good physical shape.
It seems, though, that Chukwueze has not really 'clicked' into Pioli's plans yet. The player has not found his top form when it comes to taking on defenders successfully, setting up goals and scoring.
Many fans are cheering on for him and are waiting for more quality which he displayed a few times as he scored two goals in the Champions League.
Even Stefano Pioli himself made it clear that he wants to see more effort from the Nigerian winger as he said the following words in a recent press conference:
"Pulisic and Chukwueze? They have the same characteristics. Pulisic scores goals, provides assists, and works. Chuku has to score goals, provide assists, and work."
Pioli's choice to not deploy Chukwueze from the start against Empoli paid off. Pulisic scored the only goal of the match, which delivered three important points, thus helping Milan sit in second position and overtaking Juventus by one point. Chukwueze, though, had his chance to showcase his abilities by entering the field. He made an appearance for thirty minutes, which was not fruitful at all.
In fact, the Nigerian forward made many wrong choices, like the wasted opportunity to assist Noah Okafor. Now, more and more light continues to shine on the purchase of Chukwueze's card, who arrived on a straight transfer formula. He is not putting in the effort which the fans and media expected from someone with his talent.
Last season, Chukwueze was a key player in Villarreal's tactical plans and offensive contribution, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists.
Every case can be different, though. We should not forget that Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali had to get used to the Milanese environment to be able to perform at a top level. On the other hand though, players like Theo Hernandez and Christian Pulisic immediately made an impact, the first came from La Liga while the other arrived from the Premier League.
The Nigerian, who was among the best dribblers in Europe last season, must simply try to follow the footsteps of those players mentioned above. It is a cliché, but he must work harder, push himself more and challenge himself to reach a better level. Playing for Milan and in the Serie A isn't for everyone, and if Chukwueze continues like this, he won't be able to make a singinicant and lasting impact on the Rossoneri's memory and could find himself away from the San Siro.
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